In a world where scrolling is second nature and videos under a minute define cultural shifts, the battlefield has expanded far beyond borders and bunkers. The platforms that originally served for dance trends, lip-syncing and cat videos now use their same easy-to-use features to spread radicalisation while forming ideological beliefs.

The video-sharing platform TikTok which services 1.5 billion users worldwide operates as a dominant instrument for non-state actors, militant factions and insurgent groups who are transforming traditional warfare dynamics.

Extremist influencers together with militant organisations throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia leverage TikTok's wide reach and emotional appeal to attract public attention and sympathy. ISIS evolved from its initial use of telegram channels to TikTok by creating visually appealing content which promotes violence to entice disillusioned youth.

The coordinated dissemination of content through social media platforms........

© The Express Tribune